Housing Relocation

IHN operates the Housing Relocation Program for the Family Support Network (FSN). The Housing Relocation program has two goals: one is to actually find housing for families and help them move in, and the other is to expand the housing options for families by encouraging local landlords to rent to families who are starting over again and need a new beginning. The Housing Relocation Coordinator identifies landlords who are sensitive to families experiencing homelessness and works diligently in the community to create new housing opportunities for families. IHN has developed partnerships with public housing authorities, non-profit housing providers and private sector landlords. The program offers assistance to approximately 60 families in Washtenaw County every year.

Some of the general barriers to housing for families experiencing homelessness are:

• Affordability – For the families we work with, their income level is not sufficient to cover most rents and living expenses in Washtenaw County. This is especially true for larger families. For a two-parent family with two children under the age of 6 years with both parents working full time, each needs to make about $10.74 per hour to cover rent and living expenses.
  
  For a one-parent family working full time, and who does not need daycare, that parent needs to make at least $12.58 per hour. Employment opportunities at these pay rates are difficult to come by.
• Poor credit – Many families come into the shelter with outstanding bills, unpaid loans and, sometimes a history of eviction. The IHN Housing Relocation team works with families to resolve debts and improve their credit.
• Poor/No Landlord References – Families living in poverty may experience domestic violence, addiction disorders and/or mental illness within their household and the spin-off effect of these circumstances often lead to difficulties meeting the conditions of their lease. The IHN Housing Relocation team works with families to repair past defaults with previous landlords and establish a positive reference base for the future.

Families are referred into the Housing Relocation Program once they have started generating a steady income. The Housing Relocation Coordinator works with the family to review their credit history, income, savings and any other issues that may impact their housing potential. Working together, they develop a budget that is manageable for their household. The Housing Relocation team has been partnering with the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Housing Commissions, Washtenaw Affordable Housing Corporation, and Avalon Housing in collaborative efforts to house families in our community who are most in need.